During a decade of making art in China, Australian artist Denise Keele-Bedford has experienced and seen many changes in a country that subtly enticed her and influenced her art making.

Denise has paid homage to Chinese culture whilst introducing aspects of her western culture, combining the two in intriguing artworks that attract in their beauty yet speak volumes about history.

In celebration of a decade of art making in China Denise is showcasing a body of artwork that includes, ceramics, drawing, stitching, textiles and natural elements. Intrigued with a historic belief that white skin is the superior attraction Denise looks at a wide birth of cultures and their obsession with this belief. She looks at products and creams developed that successfully whitened the skin in the short term but blackened the life of the user.

In pursuit of beauty, in efforts to have younger looking skin, to want the ‘Bloom of Youth’ when past their prime women died for perfection.

‘Bloom of Youth’ is about beauty, intertwining flora with drawings, stitched works on paper, painting on fabric and the perfection of white glazed ceramics. In conjunction with the ‘Bloom of Youth’ exhibition Denise Keele-bedford’s celebratory catalogue will be launched.

Image: © Denise-Keele-Bedford, Imagine Gallery